What are the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism - Assignment Example

Bilingualism Advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism Bilingualism is the potential to communicate in two dissimilar languages. On the other hand, bilingual education is one where class instructions are given using two different languages. The ability to use two languages does not necessarily mean that the user possesses similar proficiency in both languages. There are several predispositions for using two languages. The idea of migration has enabled individuals travel to foreign countries thereby forcing them to learn the host’s language.

In the American situation, this is common, for instance, among Spanish and English speakers. This suggests that while the speaker may use Spanish at home, the same person may use English while at school. In addition, bilingualism may arise out of individual choice to study a language other than the primary language. In the end, bilingualism has both its advantages and disadvantages. The ability to communicate in two different languages is the immediate benefit of bilingualism. The expanded communication ability enables a student access a larger world than usual.

In addition, it enables a student enjoy enriching cultures from different communities. This enhances learning, as a student is able to understand different contexts when applied to cultural education. Language is essential since it gives insight into other people’s experiences, perspectives, history, and culture (Fish & Morford, 2012, P.4, L.23-26). For instance, the bilingual ability could be crucial to deaf students who would wish to develop relationships with their peers who speak the English language.

Studies have recommended bilingualism for deaf children. When such children learn both ASL and English, the aptitude in the second language becomes an indicator of the mastery of ASL (Baker, 2011, P. 3, L.66-67). Proper acquisition of ASL also supports the proficiency in English. Studies show that bilingualism stimulates language production in both languages. This suggests that a speaker’s brain becomes more open to handling information from two languages (Byrd, 2012, P. 20, L. 13-14). In this sense, a bilingual activates dual grammar systems.

This is essential when such a speaker uses two languages simultaneously. Simultaneous, in this perspective, means that a bilingual speaker smoothly transitions from one language to another. When bilinguals develop such control, they can easily communicate to individuals who have only mastered a single language. This is a significant factor in translation. Bilingualism, however, burdens the learner. Burden occurs in terms of cultural connotations, grammar, and manifold vocabulary (Byrd, 2012, P. 21, L.4).

It is essential to highlight that language is strongly attached to its particular culture. This introduces stress in learning a language because a student has to learn the meaning of words from their cultural contexts rather than from their literal display. In addition, learning multiple vocabularies strains and confuses a learner. Studies show that bilingual ability constrains the development of vocabulary in a single language. In spite of the associated burden, bilingualism bestows numerous benefits to a learner.

It is essential to highlight that proficiency in two languages enables one to adopt multiple ways of understanding given issues. This occurs as language accords insight into other people’s experiences, culture, and viewpoints. This is necessary for developing a creative and critical mind. In addition, bilingualism promotes cognitive development of the brain such that a person can simultaneously learn grammar and vocabulary from different languages. It is essential, however, to note that handling two languages burdens the learner in dealing with multiple vocabularies, cultural innuendos, and conflicting rules of languages.

ReferencesBaker, S. (2011). Advantages of early visual language. Visual language & visual learning, 2(2), 1-6. Byrd, D. (2012). Cognitive benefits of being bilingual. Washington Academy of Sciences, Fall, 19-28. Fish, S., & Morford, J. (2012). The benefits of bilingualism: impact on language and cognitive development. Visual language & visual learning, 2(7), 1-8.